Troops of Operation Safe Haven say they have killed three suspected kidnappers, rescued two victims and arrested a gunrunner in Plateau and Kaduna.

Samson Zhakom, spokesman for OPSH, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Jos.

Mr Zhakom said this followed an operation conducted by combined troops of OPSH and 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos.

“Troops of 3 Division and OPSH have neutralised two kidnappers, nabbed suspected gunrunners and recovered arms and ammunition in Plateau and Kaduna states.

“On March 12, troops conducted offensive operations to clear criminal elements hibernating around Kuru and Turu in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau,” said the statement.

It added, “During the operation, troops neutralised two of the criminals who were in possession of 18 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) and nine rounds of 5.56 x 45 mm ammunition. On the same day, following credible intelligence on the movement of arms and ammunition, troops mounted snap checkpoints along Bokkos-Bot-Mangu road.

“During the operation, troops intercepted a notorious gunrunner with one AK-47 magazine and 48 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition. The suspect and recovered items are in custody for investigation; they are also making useful confessions to assist troops in further operations to arrest other members of the criminal syndicate.”

Mr Zhakom said the two kidnapped victims, both females, were rescued at the Josho community of Daffo district of Bokkos LGA.

According to him, the suspected kidnapper and gunrunner was arrested in Abuja, having escaped several attempts to be arrested within his area of residence.

On March 11, the statement said the troops conducted a sting operation to arrest a notorious kidnapper and gunrunner, Blessed Paul, 22, at Garaje Community in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna.

The suspect, who had been on the wanted list of security agencies for kidnapping and gunrunning activities, had earlier evaded arrest and escaped to Abuja.

“However, he was lured with the promise of purchasing one AK-47 rifle for N1.5 million.

“The suspected gunrunner agreed and met troops who posed as potential buyers at the selected spot in Garaje community where he was rounded up. Troops conducted a search on the suspect and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine and two rounds of 7.62 mm (Special),” said the statement.

(NAN)